Muscle wasting after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs
The FDA has received 150 reports of muscle wasting in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.
150Reports
47%Marked serious
5.3%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
33 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started
How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
About this medicine
Carprofen relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis or after surgery.
Products with this ingredient include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.
NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.
Questions owners ask
- Can Carprofen cause muscle wasting in dogs?
- 150 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
- How soon after a dose was it reported?
- In half of the reports with dates, it started within 33 days of the first dose.
- What should I do?
- Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).
Muscle wasting with similar medicines
- Muscle wasting after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 32 reports · 0.3% of its reports
- Muscle wasting after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 49 reports · 0.6% of its reports
- Muscle wasting after Meloxicam (Metacam) 21 reports · 0.3% of its reports
All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with muscle wasting